Scientific Narratives In Ian McEwan's Novels

Since the 1980 s,the novels of British writer Ian Mc Ewan have been obviously influenced by various scientific theories.This influence is first reflected in The Child in Time.New physics and David Bohm’s postmodern science have profoundly affected the development of the characters’ thoughts and plots in the novel.In Enduring Love,scientific theories based on biology begin to occupy an important place in Mc Ewan’s novels.At the same time,neuroscience became an important scientific theory that influenced Mc Ewan’s novels,and this influence reached its peak in Saturday.In addition,Mc Ewan also paid attention to issues such as ecology and artificial intelligence in Solar and Machines Like Me.It can be seen that exploring the connotation and artistic characteristics of Mc Ewan’s novels from the perspective of scientific narration is an important starting point for studying Mc Ewan’s novels.In the interview,Mc Ewan highly praised science,especially his scientific spirit,scientific research methods and rational understanding of affairs.He does not agree with the extremeization of the questioning of science into a complete denial of science.Instead,he calls for attention to the lofty achievements of science,and eases the conflict between the humanities and the "two cultures" of science by making science "accessible".Mc Ewan’s scientific ideas are rooted in the background of the "two cultures" dispute.The scientific narration in his novels not only conforms to the popular science writing trend of the 1980 s,but also attempts to break through the writing bottleneck and enrich the cultural connotation and expression of the novel.The attempt at horizon is also a clear proof of its attempt to transcend the opposition between humanities and science and promote the dialogue and exchange of "two cultures".However,Mc Ewan’s praise of science in his novels is usually considered insufficient,but rather shows more contemplation on the relationship between science and humanities.Mc Ewan’s scientific narratives meditation on the relationship between science and humanities are mainly manifested in two aspects: one is the relationship between scientific development and ethics;the other is the relationship between scientific concepts and religious beliefs.Mc Ewan’s discussion of the relationship between scientific development and ethics is first manifested by presenting multiple scientific and technological ethical issues in the novel,emphasizing the importance of scientific and technological ethics in scientific research,and scientific research must meet the requirements of ethics and morality.Second,he criticized the lack of ethical perspectives in scientific theories such as social biology and evolutionary psychology,and guarded the significance of ethical perspectives in scientific theories.Finally,Mc Ewan also predicted the multiple ethical conflicts between "artificial humans" and humans in the form of science fiction,demonstrated the ethical dilemma of the scientific product "artificial humans",and explored the possibility of "artificial humans" living in harmony with humans.Sex.Mc Ewan’s scientific narrative is also permeated with deep thinking about the relationship between scientific concepts and religious beliefs.First,in the face of the threats brought by religious fanaticism and religious superstition to the real world,as a "new atheist," Mc Ewan advocated putting religion under a scientific perspective,emphasizing the use of scientific rationality to resist the threat of religion.In addition,he also regards literature as an important force to enhance understanding and resolve conflicts.Secondly,he also maintained a certain degree of vigilance against scientific rationality,in order to prevent scientific rationality from evolving into a "scientific religion",becoming a new dogma and threatening people’s normal life.Finally,Mc Ewan also called on science and religion to abandon the attitude of mutual criticism and inaccuracy,and advocated that scientific understanding and sacred feelings should coexist.This attitude shows the early appearance of Mc Ewan’s "new atheism" thought.Mc Ewan’s scientific narrative reflects Mc Ewan’s further thinking on science,incorporates the author’s profound ethical appeals and religious reflections,and also entrusts his cultural concern for promoting the dialogue and exchange of the "two cultures" between humanities and science.